Review by Jeff Summers, Stadium Journey Correspondent

FANFARE Score: 26

The Glendale Arena was built as a multi-purpose facility opening December 23, 2003.  Its primary tenant is the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes.  Naming rights were granted in 2006 changing the name of the structure to the Jobing.com Arena.

The stadium is owned by the City of Glendale who operates the arena and leases space to the Coyotes.  Besides hockey the structure also provides space for conventions and other events such as concerts.  In 2004 the arena earned the distinction of being one of the best concert venues in the country.

Jobing.com Arena consists of two levels of seating.  The entrance to the arena is at mid level meaning all lower deck seats are below the entrance altitude.  Two short escalator rides up deposits the fans at the upper level.  Between the two levels is a band of suites and hospitality areas for groups and big spenders.

The stands are angled to provide good seating angles without having to move left or right in your seats.  This makes watching a game or a concert very relaxing and natural.

The seats are all padded even at the uppermost levels adding to the comfort.  The rows are staggered further making it easy to see the floor even with someone tall sitting in front of you.  This is especially true in the upper levels and makes those seats seem closer to the action.

In its hockey configuration the Jobing.com Arena seats 17,799 which is small by NHL standards and provides an intimate feel for the fans in attendance.  Behind each section is a stand-up bar area where fans can watch the game while eating without having to balance the food on their laps.

This was a surprising feature but one that after you see it you wonder why all stadiums do not have this.  The venue has very few structural elements that would block your view making the arena feel open and airy despite its smaller size.

The acoustics are very good making it a great venue for a sports event or a concert.  With a full house this place really rocks giving the home team an advantage.

There is one Team Shop on the main concourse and satellite booths selling team merchandise throughout both the upper and lower levels.  Perhaps the most popular place especially when the temperatures outside were warm and fans came ill-prepared for hockey temperatures.

There are several food venues throughout the arena offering anything from the standard hot dog (in this case named a Coyote Dog) to more elaborate food items.  Most of the concessions offer some type of deal with an entrée, drink, and dessert at a lower cost.  This is especially true on Saturdays when the team offers “Family Packs” that include game tickets and food items.

There is an abundance of parking all around the arena and most spots are free.  There is valet parking and parking on the arena property that can be purchased at a premium.  Traffic flows very well making it easy to get in and out.

Hanging above center ice is a state-of-the-art scoreboard that is capable of showing replays as well as displaying scores and game information.  Surrounding the bottom of the second deck is a video ribbon board that is used to display league information and other visual effects.

Overall the Jobing.com Arena makes watching a hockey game or other event comfortable.  The padded seats and unobstructed viewpoints are impressive.  The fans that are there are loud and passionate.  As the play-offs get closer the excitement will reach its peak making this one of the great arenas to watch a hockey game.

Food & Beverage: 4

You will find your typical sports venue foods throughout the stadium.  The food offerings differ between the first and second level so be sure to check both if you are interested in something specific.  The upper level features more standard sports venue foods while the lower level caters more to the upscale including specialty pizzas, Boars Head gourmet sandwiches, and a Hooters.  Beer comes in a can ($4.50), bottle ($6.75), bomber ($10.25).  The lower level also includes a Beers Around the World station featuring international flavors and brews.

Atmosphere: 4

The stadium has amazing sight lines. Entering the arena it is possible to look down onto the ice bringing the action immediately into view. There is literally not a bad seat in the house and the focus is always the game.

Neighborhood: 3

Located in Glendale Arizona, the arena is on the western outskirts of the valley away from many of the cultural activities of the Phoenix area.  Besides the hockey arena there is he University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.  Businesses are beginning to be built up around the area but it still feels somewhat isolated from the rest of the Phoenix area.

Fans: 3

The Phoenix Coyotes have struggled to retain fans. Many have questioned whether hockey can survive in the desert.  With the team’s future in the valley uncertain, fans have taken a wait-and-see attitude. Those fans in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate for the team. Attendance is building and so is the excitement for this team.

Access: 4

There are literally thousands of parking spots available surrounding the stadium.  Much of the parking is shared with the University of Phoenix Stadium and is free to the public making it the most economical sports venue in Glendale.

Return on Investment: 4

The Phoenix Coyotes have tickets priced at various levels.  Besides the tickets there are several options that include food and beverage making it affordable to take the whole family.  The concessions are economically priced and are a better value than some of the other stadiums in the area.

Etc: 4

The arena opens up into a courtyard with several night spots at West Gate.  This gives the stadium almost a party atmosphere both before and after the game.  There is adequate police presence so that things do not get out of hand yet remain fun and festive.  The City of Glendale does a great job directing traffic before and after the games to make it easy to travel to and from the game.  The team is young and exciting bringing a lot of excitement to a team which has struggled for several years.

Restaurant Reviews

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, 6751 N Sunset Blvd

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is a chain restaurant and is a must-go venue for any of the loyal “Parrot Heads” that follow Jimmy Buffett.  The restaurant is located in Westgate which is adjacent to Jobbing.com Arena and the University of Phoenix.

The food selection is typical bar style foods with appetizers, grill items, and sandwiches.  Most of the menu items represent the beach fare made famous in Jimmy Buffett’s music.  While these may seem a little out of place in the Arizona desert, they are very good and at least while dining you feel like you are lounging around the beach.

Two of the specialty dishes that come highly recommended are the Coconut Shrimp and the Mahi Mahi Taco Platter.  Both of these dishes were extremely good and were served with sides that made them a very filling meal.

The atmosphere is laid back which is what you would expect.  The restaurant is decorated in island décor with an abundance of Hawaiian and tropical items.  It is a great place to unwind after you team was beat.  So take a trip to Margaritaville and forget all your cares in the world.

Saddle Ranch, 9375 West Coyote Blvd

Saddle Ranch is perhaps best known as the famous chop shop located on Sunset Strip in California.  The company expanded opening a new location in Glendale Arizona in the Westgate City Center area surrounding Jobbing.com arena and the University of Phoenix Stadium.

The restaurant is best known for its country-western atmosphere and its famous steaks.  The Saddle Ranch definitely fits into the old west view of Arizona and looks as though it has just escaped a western movie screen.

The Saddle Ranch continues the country motif offering music and a mechanical bull that gives patrons an opportunity to try their hand at bull riding or an entertainment venue where you can laugh at your inebriated friends who suddenly think they are cowboys.

Besides lunch and dinner, the Saddle Ranch also offers an outstanding brunch which includes an incredible French toast that must be tried.  For pre and postgame, they offer several appetizers to get started.  Of these, the specialty is the sweet potato fries.  These are glazed sweet potatoes that are fried.

From an entrée perspective, the Saddle Ranch offers a large selection of salads and sandwiches for those on the go.  The Steak sandwich is especially good topped with sautéed onions and mushrooms.  If you get this I recommend going for the sweet potato casserole that is topped with candied pecans.

As you would expect, the Saddle Ranch has a great selection of steaks and pork chops.  Of the steaks the best is perhaps the Porterhouse Steak that is dry aged to bring out the flavor.  The steak comes with several choices for sides including the aforementioned sweet potato casserole.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Saddle Ranch has several desserts that will satisfy nearly everyone.  The half baked chocolate chip cookie served with a scoop of ice cream and chocolate is a great selection as is the S’mores platter where you can roast your own marshmallows.

The Saddle Ranch is as much an entertainment venue as it is a restaurant.  It offers you the opportunity to experience a little of the old west while being pampered with excellent food.  It’s a great place to relax before or after a game.